Journal #4 Rationalizations in Frankenstein

    

            Soon after the monster is created, Henry Clerval arrives and changes Victor's outlook away from natural science. This perepiteia occurs when Clerval influences Victor by getting Victor away from his previous apartment, university mentors, and solitude. This influence emphasizes how much of a foil Clerval is for Victor and demonstrates how deeply obsessed and solitary Victor's previous life was in comparison to the pleasant times that Victor has with Clerval.
                Victor's family does a lot of rationalizing in the event of William's death. This is evident in the letter that is writeen to Victor by his father. Towards the end of the letter, Alphonse says that everyone shouldn't spend time focusing on vengeance towards the William's murderer. There is also the rationalization that Elizabeth engages in upon seeing William's corpse. She exclaims that she is the unintentional murderer because she didn't let William wear an article of clothing that belonged to his mother. These rationalizations demonstrate how far the family is willing to go to avoid the most gruesome feelings and truths. Also, there is a suggestion of who Victor's own dismal rationalizations of his creature began.